After a real raceboard, for this coming season.
Looking at the North race LTD, or should i be looking at something like the cab or airush? looking at getting it sooner rather than later.
Thanks for the Advice.
AP
Sunday is city2surf dude!
Thanks for the idea's men.
Would be keen to hear some independent advice from someone who has ridden these of has one, but not trying to sell me one..?
I have tried a few boards and the North is fast. I don't sell anything - just buy lots! Also Mike's Lab is doing a production run in Thailand currently, with the boards finishing by end of September. If you wanted to consider one of them - contact Chip Wasson at chip.wasson@gmail.com (yes - the Chip Wasson). The issue I have been finding is that most manufacturers are making these boards as light as possible and they damage too easily. If you are not going to travel by plane (occasionally) to race, probably not a major issue. However if you are, need to consider build quality. Interestingly the Thailand Mikes Lab will be about 6.2kg and made to take more knocks vs the US made one at 5.1kg. I currently use an AA board and it is currently in for its 3rd repair.
I have had a 2012 north since May
Happy with it and goes great.
Taken about 3 months to get the hang of it but totally worth it 
My only criticism is the fragile nature of these boards, having had one twintip for about 5 years and it copes all sorts of sh!t. It takes some getting used to how delicate these race boards are. While learning you will crash and burn plenty of times and find yourself under over and wrapped around the board in way you never thought possible so I certainly wouldnt be going for the best lightest board money can buy first up till you get your own skills dialed in
I wonder if the thai built mikes labs are heavier because they have more glass, or they simply dont have the manufacturing capabilities and prowess of the parent company and they simply add a bit more resin and filler and stuff to make them a little easier to mass produce without defects
Good question about Mikes Lab Thai production. I suspect more to do with mass production, but they are marketing as 'more durable'. Ordered one - due by first week Oct. Will report then!
Thanks archie00!!
That's awesome! I'm finding it hard to source a top of the line raceboard at the moment also thinking that the 2013 gear is coming out and whether to hold off and get one then.
Is the price comparable to the other brands etc?
Thanks a lot for posting that's very exciting!
They are charging $1900 for board, plus freight - which can be quite a lot. Fins extra and suggested ones cost over $600 (but well worth it). Most cost effective full race boards seem to be the Cabrinha and the new Monaro. One idea would be to buy these, but upgrade the fins. The step down - Sectors are very well priced.
Can someone answer what the CAB 2012 raceboard is like?
Not sure if this was given any airtime.
Hey yea I'm currently on the 2012 Cab 188LX (their 70 cm wide board) and its been great. It is a bit heavier than the AA or North Board but I haven't had any issue with leaking or damage from stacks (surprising as it is my first race board). The stock fins are the right size and great to learn on (read not stupidly sharp and won't cut you open) but might be a little bit soft as you become more competitive. Have ordered a set of Rista's and will see how they go :)
I think as long as you are on a 70cm wide board you will be very competitive. The hardest thing I found was actually getting my hands on a 70cm wide board. For your first board I would worry more about durability than weight as you do stack quite a bit :)
mike's board build quality is second to none. there are bunch of fragile windsurfing formula boards around here made by him, some 10 years old, still light and holding up well. my gut feel is that thailand production can't match his abilities, so more stuff or altered construction is necessary. he just can't keep up with the demand.
